Akademias Park has experienced a significant reduction in its tree population following an unexpected operation by the forestry department on October 24. Visitors to the park were taken aback as heavy machinery rolled in to fell numerous eucalyptus and pine trees without prior notice.
Photo: cyprus-mail.com
Witnesses reported a frantic scene as individuals began contacting environmental organisations, pleading for intervention to halt what they described as a catastrophic event. Efi Xanthou, a political scientist and member of the political council of Volt Cyprus, received a call from a concerned visitor and immediately set out to verify the claims. “When I heard the call, I thought perhaps they were just pruning the trees, as the forestry department often does,” she recounted.
Photo: cyprus-mail.com
However, upon arriving at the scene, Xanthou found her initial assumptions were misplaced. Instead of simple maintenance, she discovered that around 50 to 60 trees had already been cut down across a four-acre area. Also present were three trucks prepared to transport the felled wood, and personnel operating a telescopic lift to assist in the removal.
In conversation with forestry department staff on-site, Xanthou learned that the cutting of the trees was part of a project to create a water reservoir intended as an anti-flooding measure. This rationale appeared logical, considering that some parts of the park had previously suffered from flooding during heavy rains. Yet, Xanthou pointed out a contradiction: the flooding issues were occurring in less wooded areas, not in the section designated for the new reservoir.
“I was outraged. For a department that prides itself on environmental protection and tree planting, it’s astonishing to see so many trees being cut down. They chose to clear a lush area rather than one that was already struggling,” she expressed. This sentiment was echoed by many park visitors who felt blindsided by the sudden operation.
Critics argue that the forestry department failed to engage with the community or seek necessary approvals from environmental authorities. Had there been a transparent process involving public consultation, alternative strategies could have been explored to address flooding without decimating the park’s tree cover.
“If they had bothered to hold a town hall meeting or even gone through the process of getting the work approved by the environment department, alternative sites and measures could have been suggested,” Xanthou added, highlighting the lack of accountability in the decision-making process. As it stands, formal complaints are being prepared to be submitted to the relevant authorities, though scepticism remains about whether any substantial action will be taken.
As Akademias Park continues to shrink, the community is left grappling with the repercussions of what many see as a reckless decision by the forestry department. The future of the park hangs in the balance, while the conversation surrounding environmental stewardship and community involvement grows ever more urgent.
